System for commonly utilizing vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system for commonly utilizing a vehicle in which illegal use of the vehicle can be surely prevented. In the system for lending a shared vehicle, which is parked in a parking area and of which the use information concerning lending and returning is managed, to a user after confirming permission to utilize the vehicle based on previously registered personal identification information, the shared vehicle is provided in the control section thereof with a popup key which can control whether a mechanical switch unit for starting the driving of the vehicle can be operated or not, and with an ignition mechanism control mean which permits starting operation of an ignition mechanism when personal cipher information inputted by the user matches personal cipher information imparted to the user in association with the personal identification information and the user sets a destination, and permits returning operation of the ignition mechanism when arrival at the set destination is detected.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for commonly utilizing avehicle in which use information concerning lending and returning of avehicle that is parked in a parking area is managed and the vehicle isrented to a user.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.2001-228558, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a system in which a user approaches a vehicle which isparked in a parking area and makes the vehicle read personalidentification information (user ID) recorded in an IC card, etc., tounlock the door so that the user is permitted to enter the inside of thevehicle has been conceived as a system for commonly utilizing a vehicle.However, in such a system for commonly utilizing a vehicle, it isunavoidable to keep the ignition key which is used for starting adriving device of the vehicle (engine, motor, etc.), inside the vehiclesince the vehicle is managed and operated in an unwatched parking areain such a system for commonly utilizing a vehicle. Accordingly, there isa danger that the vehicle can be easily stolen if the door lock isbroken.

In consideration of the above, a device which is capable of preventingtheft of the vehicle while keeping the ignition key inside the vehiclehas been proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication, First Publication No. 2000-120308. In the device disclosedin the above patent application, a glove box having a key lock mechanismto store the ignition key in an unusable locked state is provided, andthe key lock of the glove box is unlocked when the personalidentification information in an IC card matches identificationinformation of a person who made the reservation so that the use of theignition key becomes possible.

Also, a method has been proposed in which a portable ignition key isavoided, and the ignition mechanism is entirely controlled by anelectrical controlling means only, and the starting of the drivingdevice of the vehicle is controlled thereby.

However, according to the above conventional techniques, although thepossibility that the ignition key is stolen may be reduced by combiningthe door lock mechanism with the key lock mechanism to generate a doublelock mechanism, there is a danger that the vehicle may be unlawfullyutilized if the vehicle is lawfully lent to a user and the user copiesthe ignition key since the ignition key is easily removed from thevehicle.

Also, if the entire ignition mechanism is controlled only by anelectrical controlling means, there are problems in that the vehiclecannot be driven if electric power cannot be supplied to the controllingmeans for some reasons, and it is troublesome to repair the vehicle.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention takes into consideration the above-mentionedcircumstances, and has as an object to provide a system for commonlyutilizing a vehicle in which illegal use of the vehicle can be surelyprevented.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the presentinvention provides a system for commonly utilizing a vehicle in whichvehicle use information relating to lending and returning of a vehicleparked in a parking area is managed, and the vehicle is lent to a userby confirming permission to utilize the vehicle based on preregisteredpersonal identification information, wherein the vehicle includes amechanical switch device, which is used to start a driving device of thevehicle, as well as an ignition mechanism (for instance, the popup key30 in an embodiment described later), which is capable of controlling anoperation of the mechanical switch device; and an ignition mechanismcontrolling means (for instance, steps S17-S25, S31-S40 in theembodiment described later) which permits a starting operation of thedriving device using the ignition mechanism when information input bythe user matches personal cipher information imparted to the user inassociation with the personal identification information and the usersets a destination, and which permits a returning operation of thevehicle using the ignition mechanism when arrival at the set destinationis detected.

According to the system having the above configuration, it becomespossible to control the lending and returning of the vehicle using theoperation of the ignition mechanism provided with the mechanical switchdevice.

Also, it becomes possible to permit the return of the vehicle only whenreturning conditions are met.

The second aspect of the present invention provides a system forcommonly utilizing a vehicle according to the first aspect, wherein thevehicle further includes a use information controlling means (forinstance, steps S26 and S36 in the embodiment described later) whichstarts measurement of the vehicle use information when the startingoperation of the driving device using the ignition mechanism ispermitted, and which stops the measurement of the vehicle useinformation when the returning operation of the vehicle using theignition mechanism is permitted. According to the system having theabove configuration, it becomes possible to carry out a constant andaccurate charging process regardless of the manner in which a vehicle isused since the start and stop of the measurement of the vehicle usestate is carried out in accordance with the state of the ignitionmechanism which indicates the start and end of the use of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a shared vehicle used inan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a port for parking the shared vehicle usedin an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overall operation of the system forcommonly utilizing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a vehicle lending operation in the systemfor commonly utilizing a vehicle according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a process for exiting the vehicle in thesystem for commonly utilizing a vehicle according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodimentaccording to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a control center 1 is a center for controlling a system forcommonly utilizing a vehicle provided with a vehicle managing devicewhich manages reservation or dispatch of a shared vehicle 2 that isparked in a parking area, called a port, and is commonly used by users,manages bill requests, and manages shared use of a vehicle. The sharedvehicle 2 can be utilized by a user in two different ways, namely, by a“reservation ride” in which a user A3 registered as a member in thecontrol center 1 makes a reservation, through the control center 1 usinga portable terminal 4, by assigning information that specifies avehicle, such as departure/arrival ports, date, time, and type of thevehicle, or by a “direct ride” in which a user B5 registered as a memberin the control center 1 utilizes an available vehicle using a smart card6 owned by the user B5 without making a reservation.

Also, a communication network 7 is a network for connecting the portableterminal 4 owned by the userA3 to the control center 1, or the sharedvehicle 2 to the control center 1, and information is received andtransmitted by, for example, wireless communication using a WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP), the Internet using the World Wide Web (WWW),and a wired communication via public circuit network.

Note that one or more of the shared vehicles 2 are managed by thecontrol center 1. Also, the number of the user A and user B is notlimited.

Moreover, the portable terminal 4 is a terminal capable of connecting toa computer network, such as the Internet, and a public circuit network,and it includes not only a portable terminal including a portable phoneand a Personal Handy Phone System telephone connected via a wirelesscommunication and a mobile communication terminal but also a terminalwhich is connected via a wired communication. Furthermore, in theabove-mentioned terminal using wired or wireless communication, aportable terminal capable of connecting to a computer network isincluded.

Also, the control center (vehicle managing device) 1 includes a controlunit 11, a member master 12, a price list 13, a vehicle master 14, aport master 15, a lending record master 16, a reservation master 17, aninput/output means 18, and a network 19.

The control unit 11 performs a vehicle management control program in acomputer system provided with a central processing unit (CPU) to controlthe overall operation in the control center 1. The operation of thecontrol unit 11 will be described later in detail.

The member master 12 is a database in which registered data of each userregistered as a member is stored, and (1) user ID, (2) address, (3) useright information, etc., of each member are recorded.

The price list 13 is a database in which the charging system for the useof the shared vehicle 2 is stored, and (1) basic fee, (2) extension fee,(3) extra/discount fee, etc., are recorded.

The vehicle master 14 is a database in which conditions of each sharedvehicle 2 are stored to manage the shared vehicle 2 and, for example,(1) vehicle number, (2) vehicle information including model (type),equipment, color, etc., (3) parking position (parking port), (4)availability of the vehicle, etc., of each shared vehicle are recorded.

The port master 15 is a database in which conditions relating to a portis stored to manage the shared vehicle 2 and, for example, (1) thenumber of vehicles parked in a parking area, (2) the number of availablevehicles, (3) vehicle number of parked vehicles, etc., are recorded.

The lending record master 16 is a database in which use record of theshared vehicle 2 is stored and, for example, (1) user ID, (2) (rented)vehicle number, (3) rented time, (4) returning time, (5) rented place,(6) returning place, (7) mileage, (8) amount of fuel consumed, etc., arerecorded.

The reservation master 17 is a database in which reservation informationis stored to manage vehicle reservation by the user A3 utilizing the“reservation ride” and, for example, (1) departure port, (2) arrivalport, (3) information of vehicle type, vehicle number, etc., in relationto the user ID of the user A3 are recorded.

The input/output means 18 is an interface unit for the control center 1to receive/transmit information relating to reservation of renting avehicle from/to the portable terminal 4, and to receive/transmitinformation relating to lending and returning of a vehicle, i.e.,vehicle managing data, from/to the shared vehicle 2. Note that thereceiving/transmitting of the vehicle managing data between the controlcenter 1 and the shared vehicle 2 is directly carried out using wirelesscommunication.

The network 19 is a communication network which connects theabove-mentioned control unit 11, the member master 12, the price list13, the vehicle master 14, the port master 15, the lending record master16, the reservation master 17, and the input/output means 18 in thecontrol center 1 to form a local area network (LAN) for receiving andtransmitting data.

Next, the shared vehicle 2 used in an embodiment of the presentinvention will be explained with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the shared vehicle2. In FIG. 2, the shared vehicle 2 includes a communication antenna 21,a communication unit 22, an antenna for card 23, a card reader 24, acontrol section 25, a door lock mechanism 26, a monitor display section28, an operating section, a popup key 30, a driving device 31, a storagedevice 32, a vehicle speed pulse detector 33, an AID converter 34, afuel meter 35, an antenna for tag 36, an ID tag reader 37, and a LEDdisplay section 38.

The shared vehicle 2 is parked at a parking space sufficient for onevehicle called a lot which is located in a parking area called a port.The control center 1 exchanges various data with the shared vehicle viathe communication unit 22 connected to the communication antenna 21.

In the shared vehicle 2, when the user A3 or the user B5 holds, forinstance, a non-contact read and write type smart card 6 to the antennafor card 23 provided with the shared vehicle 2, a signal read by thecard reader 24 is transmitted to the control section 25 which controlsthe operation of the shared vehicle 2.

The control section 25 communicates with the control center 1 via thecommunication unit 22 and the communication antenna 21 using wirelesscommunication, and asks for permission to lend the vehicle bytransmitting that the user held the smart card 6 to ask for a use of theshared vehicle 2.

The storage device 32 is formed by a read only memory (ROM), a randomaccess memory (RAM), etc., and user IDs of each of the users who canutilize the shared vehicle 2 are stored in advance. Also, the user ID,PIN, etc., input by the user is temporarily stored in the storage device32.

When the user holds the smart card 6 to input his user ID, the controlsection 25 checks the input user ID with the user ID stored in thestorage unit 32, and if both IDs matches, the door lock mechanism 26releases the door key to lend the shared vehicle 2.

Also, when the control section 25 transmits the vehicle number stored inthe storage device 32, the user ID input by a user, etc., to the controlcenter 2, it is determined whether the shared vehicle 2 can be rented tothe user, and the determination result as well as the user's PIN aretransmitted to the shared vehicle 2. Then, it is confirmed by thecontrol section 25 that the PIN input by the user matches the PINtransmitted from the control center 1, and when the destination of thevehicle by the user is set, the control section 25 allows to start thedriving device 31 of the vehicle, such as the engine and motor using thepopup key 30.

Here, the popup key 30 will be explained. The popup key 30 is, forexample, an ignition device for a vehicle which is typically disclosedin Japanese Patent No. 3149384, and includes an operation knob which isrotatably and displaceably supported by a main body at only a protrudedposition so as to be freely protruded towards the interior of thevehicle, a rotor which rotates together with the operation knob, and anignition switch (a mechanical switch device) having a point of contactcorresponding to the rotation position of the rotor. The popup key 30controls the start and stop of the driving device 31, such as the engineand motor, by connecting and disconnecting the point of contactcorresponding to a rotation position as disclosed in the above patentdocument.

Also, the operation knob is urged towards the protruding position by aspring means, and the operation thereof is controlled by a means forselectively holding and releasing (protruding) it in a pushed-downposition. Accordingly, when the operation knob of the popup key 30 is ata protruded state, it becomes possible to start the driving device 31 byrotating the operation knob, and when the operation knob of the popupkey 30 is in the pushed-down state, it becomes impossible to start thedriving device 31 since the operation knob cannot be rotated.

Note that the popup key is not limited to the above ignition device, andit can be any means which is provided with a mechanical switch deviceand which is capable of controlling the operation of the switch device.

The user A3 or the user B5, when renting the shared vehicle 2, inputsrequired items into the control section 25 using an operation unit 29 soas to start the driving device 31 of the shared vehicle 2 by the popupkey 30, and starts the use of the shared vehicle 2. Also, when the userreturns the shared vehicle 2 at a port, the user stops the drivingdevice 31 using the popup key 30 at the port, and carries out areturning process by pushing down the operation knob of the popup key30. In this embodiment, since the control of the driving device 31 bythe popup key 30 becomes impossible if the pushed-down state of theoperation knob of the popup key 30 is maintained, the control section 25determines that the returning process is completed by the fact that theoperation knob of the popup key 30 is held in the pushed-down position.

Note that the above-mentioned smart card 6 is an ID terminal mountedwith an IC including a processor which is capable of reading and writingrecorded ID numbers and of simple decision-making within the card.According to embodiments of the present invention, the ID terminal usedfor transmitting an ID number to the shared vehicle 2 may be not only anon-contact or contact reading and writing type IC card, but also anyterminals capable of reading and writing recorded ID numbers, such as amagnetic card and a mobile phone incorporated with an IC chip, as longas the reading device of the shared vehicle 2 can correspond.

Also, when the shared vehicle 2 is running, a vehicle speed pulse signalwhich indicates the running state of the shared vehicle 2 is transmittedto the control section 25 from the vehicle speed pulse detector 33, andthe fuel meter 35 is connected to the control section 25 via the A/Dconverter 34 so that the control section 25 can confirm the degree ofconsumption of the fuel.

Note that the operation that is carried out by a user when he rents theshared vehicle will be explained in detail later.

Also, the antenna for tag 36 and the ID tag reader 37 are devices usedby the shared vehicle 2 parked in a port to distinguish the lot assignedin the port.

Moreover, the LED display section 38 indicates a state of the sharedvehicle 2, such as “available”, “reserved”, “currently used”,“maintenance”, etc., using different colors or characters, and is adisplay section which is disposed at a position visible to the user fromthe outside of the shared vehicle 2. The LED display section 38 can beany display section as long as it is capable of informing the user ofthe state of the shared vehicle 2.

The tag will be explained with reference o FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, aplurality of lots 51 used for parking the shared vehicle 2 are providedin a port 50, and an ID tag 52 which is a device for transmitting IDnumbers assigned to each one of the port 50 and the lots 51 is providedto each one of the lots 51.

ID numbers specific to each one of the port 50 and lots 51 aretransmitted and received between the ID tag 52 and the antenna for tag36 using any one of electromagnetic coupling, electromagnetic induction,microwave, electrostatic coupling, and phototransmission means, and theshared vehicle 2 determines the port or lot at which it is parked byreading the signal received via the antenna for tag 36 using the ID tagreader.

Note that as shown in FIG. 3, the ID tag 52 is disposed at two diagonalcorners of the lot 51 so as to correspond to a front stop and a rearstop of the shared vehicle 2, and the antenna for tag 36 is disposed ateither a front corner or a rear corner (the front left corner in FIG. 3)closer to the ID tag 52 of the shared vehicle 2.

Also, the mechanism by which the shared vehicle 2 recognizes theposition of the parked port or the lot is not limited to the ID tag 52,and it is possible to utilize a transceiver used for an electric tollcollection system (ETC) or a position detection means using a globalpositioning system (GPS).

Next, a vehicle lending operation of the system for commonly utilizing avehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will beexplained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the overall process flow of the system for commonly utilizing avehicle will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.4.

The user A3, when wishing to make a reservation of the shared vehicle 2,accesses to the control center 1 using the portable terminal 4 via thecommunication network 7, such as the Internet, to carry out areservation process (step S1). Then, when a right to use the sharedvehicle 2 is secured, goes to the actual port where the shared vehicle 2is parked, and holds his smart card 6 to the antenna for card 23 of theshared vehicle 2 in order to present his own user ID.

Also, if the user B5 wishes to utilize the shared vehicle 2 withoutmaking the reservation, the reservation process (step S1) is not carriedout, and the user B5 directly goes to the port where the shared vehicle2 is parked and holds his smart card 6 to the antenna for card 23 of theshared vehicle 2 that he wishes to use in order to present his own userID.

The shared vehicle 2 to which the user ID card is presented, determineswhether the user can access the inside of the vehicle, and carries out avehicle lending process with the control center 1 in order to lend theuser the shared vehicle 2.

Note that the vehicle lending process includes a vehicle lendingdetermination process (step S2) which is mainly carried out at thecontrol center 1 side and a vehicle use determination process (step S3)which is mainly carried out at the shared vehicle 2 side.

Here, the vehicle lending determination process (step S2) includes aprocess for confirming the user ID granted to the user. Also, thecontrol section 25 of the shared vehicle 2, when the user A3 or the userB5 makes access to the shared vehicle 2 using the smart card 6, readsthe user ID recorded in the smart card 6 using the card reader 24, anddetermines whether the user can access the inside of the vehicle whilemaking an inquiry to the control center 1 about the user ID via thecommunication device 22 and the communication antenna 21.

On the other hand, in the control unit 11 of the control center 1, wheninquired about the user ID from the shared vehicle 2 the user desires touse, determines whether the user can use the vehicle, and sends a signalto the shared vehicle 2 indicating whether the user can use the vehicleor not.

Also, if the user is allowed access to the vehicle, he inputs theassigned PIN using the operation unit 29 of the shared vehicle 2, andthe shared vehicle 2 carries out the vehicle use determination process(step S3). In this embodiment, the vehicle use determination process isa process in which the PIN assigned to the user is confirmed, and whenthe user A3 or the user B5 inputs his PIN through the operation unit 29,the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 determines whether theinput PIN matches with the PIN which was assigned to the user A3 or B5and was transmitted from the control center 1. If it is determined thatthe PIN matches, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 makesthe operation knob protrude, which was in a pushed-down state and inwhich it was impossible to operate the popup key 30, so that the usercan start the driving device 31 of the shared vehicle 2 by operating thepopup key 30 to start using the shared vehicle 2.

Then, when the user, who has been allowed to use the shared vehicle inthe vehicle lending determination process and the vehicle usedetermination process, is to terminate the use of the shared vehicle 2,the user carries out a vehicle returning process (step S4) of the sharedvehicle 2 to a port so that the control center 1 can obtain userinformation of the vehicle which is used for calculating the charge. Inthis manner, the operation of the system for commonly utilizing avehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention isterminated. Here, in the returning process, the control section 25 ofthe shared vehicle 2 starts the process when the user pushes down theoperation knob of the popup key 30 to be in a pushed-down state, and thecontrol section 25, if there is no problem about the returningcondition, holds the operation knob of the popup key 30 in thepushed-down state to prohibit the use of the popup key 30. In thismanner the returning process is completed.

Note that the use information of the vehicle means information necessaryfor calculating the fee of the shared vehicle 2, such as lending time,returning time, mileage, and amount of fuel when returned (fuelconsumed).

Next, the above-mentioned vehicle lending process including the vehiclelending determination process and the vehicle use determination processwill be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart shown inFIG. 5.

First, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2, when the user A3or the user B5 accesses the shared vehicle 2 using the smart card 6,reads the user ID recorded in the smart card 6 using the card reader 24(step S11), and carries out a riding permission determination bycomparing the ID with user IDs recorded in the storage device 32 towhich lending of a vehicle has been allowed, to determine whetherlending of a vehicle is allowed for the user who wishes to use theshared vehicle 2 (step S12).

Then, as a result of the riding permission determination in step S12, itis determined whether the riding of the user who wishes to use theshared vehicle 2 has been allowed (step S13).

In step S13, if the riding of the user who wishes to use the sharedvehicle 2 has been allowed (i.e., YES in step S13), the control section25 of the shared vehicle 2 releases the door lock (step S14), andpermits the user to access the inside of the vehicle.

Then, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 transmits a ridingreport, such as the user ID of the user and the vehicle number of thevehicle, to the control center 1 via the communication device 22 and thecommunication antenna 21 (step S15).

Here, the control unit 11 of the control center 1 which received theriding report from the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2, theuse of which was requested by the user A3 or B5, determines whether theuse of the vehicle by the user is allowed or not based on the receiveduser ID, and transmits user information including signals indicating thePIN assigned to a user having the received ID and whether a reservationhas been made by the user, to the shared vehicle 2.

Then, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 determines whetherthe user information from the control center 1 was received as a replyto the riding report (step S16).

In step S16, if it is determined that the user information from thecontrol center 1 has not been received, it waits until the userinformation is received (i.e., NO in step S16).

Also, in step S16, if it is determined that the user information fromthe control center 1 has been received (i.e., YES in step S16), the userwho has been allowed access inside the vehicle through the door beingunlocked, is asked to input the PIN assigned to the user through theoperation unit 29 of the shared vehicle 2 (step S17).

When the PIN was input, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2checks it against the PINs stored in the storage device 32 to determinewhether there is a PIN which matches the PIN input by the user (stepS18).

In step S18, if the PIN input by the uses does not match any of the PINsstored in the storage device 32 (i.e., NO in step S18), it is determinedwhether the number of checking PINs has been carried out within apredetermined time period or is within a predetermined number (stepS19).

In step S19, if the number of checking PINs has been carried out withinthe predetermined time or is within the predetermined number (i.e., YESin step S19), the process returns to step S17 to repeat the processesexplained above.

Also, in step S18, if the PIN input by the user matches one of the PINsstored in the storage device 32 (i.e., YES in step S18), it isdetermined whether or not this lending operation of the vehiclecorresponds to the “direct ride” based on the signal, which is containedin the user information, indicating whether the user has made areservation for the vehicle (step S20).

In step S20, if it is determined that the lending operation of thevehicle is for a “direct ride” (i.e., YES in step S20), the user isasked to input the destination (destination port) of the vehicle throughthe operation unit 29 of the shared vehicle 2 (step S21).

If the destination is set by the user, the control section 25 of theshared vehicle 2 transmits the destination setting to the control center1 via the communication device 22 and the communication antenna 21 (stepS22).

The control unit 11 of the control center 1 which received thedestination setting from the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2,determines whether the received destination is allowed to be adestination of the vehicle, and transmits the determination result onthe destination setting to the shared vehicle 2.

Then, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 determines whetherthe determination result on the destination setting has been receivedfrom the control center 1 as a reply to the destination setting (stepS23).

In step S23, if the determination result on the destination setting hasnot been received from the control center 1, it waits until thedetermination result on the destination setting is received (i.e., NO instep S23).

Also, in step S23, if the determination result on the destinationsetting has been received from the control center 1 (i.e., YES in stepS23), it is determined whether the destination of the vehicle has beenadmitted by the determination result on the destination setting (stepS24).

In step S24, if the destination of the vehicle has been allowed (i.e.,YES in step S24), the user starts using the sharing vehicle 2 byoperating the popup key 30 to actuate the driving device 31 whichbecomes possible because the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2makes the operation knob of the popup key 30 protrude, making itpossible to operate the operation knob of the popup key 30 (step S25),and starts timers for items, which are contained in the use information,necessary for calculating charges of the shared vehicle 2, such as theabove mentioned lending time, returning time, mileage, and remainingfuel when returned (fuel consumption) are started (step S26).

Also, in step S24, if the destination of the vehicle is not allowed(i.e., NO in step S24), the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2confirms whether the user intends to get off the vehicle through themonitor display section 28 (step S27), and if the user does not get offthe vehicle (i.e., NO in step S27), the process returns to step S22 torepeat the processes explained above.

In step S27, if the user gets off the vehicle (i.e., YES in step 27),the procedure for getting off the vehicle is shown on the monitordisplay section 28 in order to guide the user (step S28).

Also, in step S20, if the vehicle lending process is not for the “directride” (i.e., NO in step S20), the process proceeds to step S25 since thedestination setting was completed when the reservation was made. In stepS25, since the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 makes theoperation knob of the popup key 30, making it possible to operate theoperation knob of the popup key 30. (step S25) and starts timers foritems, which are contained in the use information, necessary forcalculating charges of the shared vehicle 2, such as the above mentionedlending time, returning time, mileage, and remaining fuel when returned(fuel consumption) (step S26), the user starts using the sharing vehicle2 by operation the popup key 30 to actuate the driving device 31.

On the other hand, in step S13, if the use of the shared vehicle 2 bythe user who wishes to utilize the vehicle is not allowed (i.e., NO instep S13), or in step S19, if the number of checking PINs has not beencarried out within the predetermined time or it is not within thepredetermined number (i.e., NO in step S19), the process proceeds tostep S28 to show the procedure for getting off the vehicle on themonitor display section 28 in order to guide the user.

Next, a procedure for carrying out the above-mentioned vehicle returningprocess or a procedure for temporarily exiting the vehicle will beexplained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

First, when the user exits the shared vehicle 2, the user operates thepopup key 30 to stop the driving device 3land then pushes down theoperation knob of the popup key 30 (step S31).

When the operation knob of the popup key 30 is pushed down, the controlsection 25 of the shared vehicle 2 checks the returning condition of thevehicle (step S32).

Firstly, it is determined whether the shared vehicle 2 has arrived at aport and detected the ID tag 52 (step S33).

If the ID tag 52 was detected in step S33 (i.e., YES in step S33), it isdetermined whether the port at which the shared vehicle 2 has arrivedmatches the port of destination (step S34).

In step S34, if it is determined that the port at which the sharedvehicle 2 has arrived matches the port of destination (i.e., YES in stepS34), it is determined whether the time of the day is in a time periodin which the return of the vehicle is allowed (step S35).

In step S35, if the time is in the time period in which the return ofthe vehicle is allowed (i.e., YES in step S35), the timers for items,which are contained in the use information of the vehicle, necessary forcalculating charges of the shared vehicle 2, such as the above mentionedlending time, returning time, mileage, and remaining fuel when returned(fuel consumption) are stopped (step S36).

Then, a returning process including a charging process which is carriedout by using the use information obtained during the use of the sharedvehicle, is carried out (step S37).

The control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2 performs the returningprocess, and when the user exits the shared vehicle 2 and holds hissmart card 6 to the shared vehicle 2, reads the user ID recorded in thesmart card 6 using the card reader 24 (step S38), and locks the door(step S39) to terminate the process for exiting the vehicle.

Also, in step S34, if the port at which the vehicle has arrived does notmatch the port of destination (i.e., NO in step S34), or in step S35, ifthe time is not within the time period in which the return of thevehicle is allowed (i.e., NO in step S35), access to the returningprocess is refused due to unsatisfactory returning conditions at thearrived port, and the operation knob of the popup key 30 is againprotruded (step S40).

Then, while the charging process is continued, the process for temporaryexiting the vehicle is carried out (step S41).

On the other hand, if the ID tag 52 cannot be detected in step S33(i.e., NO in step S33), it is assumed that the shared vehicle 2 isparked at a place other than the port and that the user temporary exitsthe vehicle. Thus, the process proceeds to step S41, and carries out theprocess for temporary exiting the vehicle while continuing the chargingprocess (step S41).

Then, in step S38, the control section 25 of the shared vehicle 2, whenthe user exits the shared vehicle 2 and holds his smart card 6 to theshared vehicle 2, reads the user ID recorded in the smart card 6 usingthe card reader 24 (step S38), and locks the door (step S39) toterminate the process for exiting the vehicle.

Note that, in this embodiment, the control section 25 of the sharedvehicle 2 forms the ignition mechanism controlling means and the useinformation controlling means. More specifically, steps S17-S25 shown inFIG. 5 and steps S31-S40 shown in FIG. 6 correspond to the ignitionmechanism controlling means, and step S26 shown in FIG. 5 and step S36shown in FIG. 6 correspond to the use information controlling means.

As explained above, according to the system for commonly utilizing avehicle of the invention, since the popup key is used and it is riotnecessary to provide a portable ignition key, the danger that theignition key will be stolen or that the vehicle itself will be stolenusing a copied ignition key is eliminated.

Also, since a means for controlling the operation of the ignitionmechanism is provided with the ignition mechanism itself, it is notnecessary to newly provide a device for storing the ignition key, andhence this is advantageous in terms of cost.

Moreover, although it becomes impossible to move the vehicle in whichthe entire ignition mechanism is formed only by electrical controllingmeans if electricity cannot be supplied to the controlling means is anemergency, etc., the vehicle utilizing the popup key can be moved ifonly the means for selectively holding the operation knob at thepushed-down state is released.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, it becomes possible to control the lending and returning ofthe vehicle using the operation of the ignition mechanism provided withthe mechanical switch device. Also, it becomes possible to permit thereturn of the vehicle only when returning conditions are met.

Accordingly, since it becomes unnecessary to provide and manage aportable ignition key, there is an advantage that the danger that thevehicle is stolen will be eliminated. Also, since a returning operationis not possible other than at the parking area, it becomes possible toprevent illegal return of the vehicle or the vehicle from beingabandoned.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, it becomespossible to carry out a constant and accurate charging processregardless of the manner in which a vehicle is used since the start andstop of the measurement on the vehicle use state is carried out inaccordance with the state of the ignition mechanism which indicates thestart and end of the use of the vehicle.

Accordingly, even if illegal return of the vehicle to a place other thanthe parking area occurs or a user abandons the vehicle, the effect thata justifiable fee amount can be charged to the user is obtained sincethe charging process is not stopped during that period.

1. A system for commonly utilizing a vehicle in which vehicle useinformation relating to lending and returning of a vehicle parked in aparking area is managed, and the vehicle is lent to a user by confirmingpermission to utilize the vehicle based on preregistered personalidentification information, wherein the vehicle comprises: a mechanicalswitch device, which is used to start a driving device of the vehicle,and an ignition mechanism which is capable of controlling an operationof the mechanical switch device; and an ignition mechanism controllingmeans which permits a starting operation of the driving device using theignition mechanism when information input by the user matches personalcipher information imparted to the user in association with the personalidentification information and the user sets a destination, and whichpermits a returning operation of the vehicle using the ignitionmechanism when arrival at the set destination is detected.
 2. A systemfor commonly utilizing a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein thevehicle further comprising: a use information controlling means whichstarts measurement of the vehicle use information when the startingoperation of the driving device using the ignition mechanism ispermitted, and which stops the measurement of the vehicle useinformation when the returning operation of the vehicle using theignition mechanism is permitted.